Strong 7.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Turkey

A powerful earthquake of 7.9-magnitude struck southern Turkey on Monday morning, news agency AFP reported.

One of Turkey’s major news outlets, Anadolu Agency, said that the quake has hit Kahramanmaras region. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The US Geological Survey said that the earthquake’s depth is 24.1 kilometres and is located 23 kilometres east of Nurdagi, Gaziantep province. Following the earthquake, the Turkish government has issued its highest emergency alert.

Strong aftershocks have been felt in central Turkey, where another earthquake of 6.7 magnitude struck at a depth of 9.9 kilometres about 11 minutes after the first quake, the USGS said.

Another USGS update said that strong aftershocks were felt in central Turkey where another earthquake of 6.7 magnitude struck at a depth of 9.9 kilometres. The quake struck 11 minutes after the first quake struck southern Turkey.

There are fears of damages to lives and property in Syria and other adjoining regions as well.

Commentators on social media have said that the tremors of the early morning earthquake were felt across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Israel, Palestine and Cyprus.

Videos shared on social media show damaged and collapsed buildings. There has been no official confirmation regarding deaths and casualties but injuries are expected following the powerful quake.

The quake struck the city of Gaziantep in south Turkey and many people remain stuck beneath the rubble of buildings.

News18 could not independently verify the videos.

A video reshared by senior journalist Joyce Karam showed multiple buildings collapsed in the Kahramanmaras region. The journalist in her tweet said that the quake led to the collapse of entire buildings in the region.

(this is a developing story)

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